Choosing the right personal trainer

Understanding why you want to work with a trainer will help you immensely in your search. Are you going to the gym and not seeing any results? Did you get hurt and have now completed physiotherapy but don’t want to get injured again? Or maybe you want to look your best ever! There will be a reason that’s specific to you and a trainers job is to effectively get you there by helping you be consistent about caring for yourself.

There are a boat load of options once you’ve answered your why. You can train online or in person. You can choose a fixed template program or get personalized advice. You can join facebook groups because you need support or maybe you’ll watch YouTube instructional videos. Whomever you choose to follow, aim to have their values regarding fitness match yours. They’ll be able to relate and understand how to push you safely out of your comfort zone.

If you’re highly motivated to move, an online program works great. If you have a tendency to put exercise low on the priority list, then you may need to see a trainer in person or at least Skype with them to be held accountable. Choose the option that gives you the best chance for success. I understand it can be expensive, but your body needs maintenance. Just think of how many adults are just trying to maintain what they have, let alone improve on it through exercise.

Exercise to me, means you are being pushed out of your comfort zone. You are literally reprogramming your mind and body to do things it was never capable of before. Sounds daunting but the right trainer will make it a worthwhile journey. Remember, that’s what you’re embarking on, a journey. There’s no race because the finish line ends with you. Once you and your trainer know where you’re currently starting from, then they can help.

This is where the assessment comes in. A good trainer will assess otherwise they just guessed. The body has some basic movement patterns which can be assessed to determine your ability to move through them. For example, squatting, pushing and pulling are some basic movement patterns that will guide a trainer to ask pertinent questions regarding past injuries or daily habits. Things like breathing and bracing techniques should be monitored as well. This determines what your physical weaknesses are and where your strength lies.

A trainer not only helps with exercise, but can assist with nutrition, recovery and stress reducing techniques. I find these areas will be more developed the longer the trainer has been in the industry. Their values will shine through and you can decide what works for you. Some people like yoga and others like mobilization techniques. You may want a detailed nutrition program or just a few pointers on how to adjust your current diet. Understand what a trainer can offer in these areas because it will affect your results and adherence to a program.

Ultimately a trainer will want to know your ‘current fitness goal’ or in other words, why do you want a trainer? Because you’ve thought about this question you’ll be able to effectively communicate an answer and find the right trainer for you!